By Mercy Darko
President Akufo-Addo has directed Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies, MMDCEs to as a matter of urgency facilitate the removal of obstructions and structures built in water ways which are contributing to flooding during downpours.
The MMDCES are also to ensure the strict adherence to procedures on the acquisition of permits by developers to prevent construction on drainages.
President Akufo Addo gave these guidelines when he commissioned two IHC Beaver 50 Dredgers and Marine Equipment for the dredging of the “Soo Faa ” also known as the Ashaiman Dam at Adjei Kojo in Ashaiman.
The 54 million euro equipment will augment the already existing fleets being used for similar projects across the country.
President used the occasion to also impress on the public to desist from choking drains with waste products to curb the flooding situation.
As the rains continue unabated, Ghanaians dread the perineal floods which accompanies it. President Akufo Addo said the perennial flooding in the country continues to be a source of worry to the government as lives, homes and properties are destroyed.
”Government has over the years channeled resources to reduce perineal floods especially in Greater Accra stressing that since 2017, some GHC450 Million have been committed to the flood control programs, however, the challenge persists, hence, more needs to be done”.
It is for this reason that the MMDCEs have been asked to ensure the removal of structures on water ways.
”They will be held accountable for any breaches of these directives”, the President noted.
The Minister for Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye in a remark said floods have and continue to be a challenge especially in the wake of the adverse effects of climate change.
”Dredging of the country’s water bodies and drains is part of measures to manage the perineal flooding.
The Minister called on the private sector to join forces with the government to curb this menace.
Executive Chairman of JOSPONG Group of Companies, Joseph Siaw Agyepong said the ultra-modern dredging equipment will complement the existing resources for dredging drains such as the Odaw River.
Dredge Masters, a subsidiary of the JOSPONG Group of Companies, are spearheading the dredging project.
